FITFS Lois Roelofs Champion of Nurses into the 21st Century

I am hesitant to write today’s FITFS (Following in the FootSteps) series for two reasons. The first is that Kathleen Korthuis, Lois’s sister passed away October 5, 2012 and so her focus is on preparing Kay’s eulogy and dealing with the sorrow and loss experienced by her family, friends and herself. You know that the purpose of FITFS is to honor my heroes. Writers of the blogging world who inspire me to be better and to somehow emulate them. Writers have allowed me in some way to be part of their life. I decided to go ahead with this post to let Lois know that she is in our hearts at this very difficult time.

The second reason I hesitated is that Lois is exactly who I would like emulate but she has set the bar high. She is the ideal for me and I am in awe of her life and what she has accomplished and continues to accomplish.

Like me, Lois Roelofs has her heroes and certainly the most important was her sister Kay who was her lifelong career mentor. In fact both of them attended the Blodgett Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and Lois’s 50th reunion takes place this weekend prior to Kay’s service. How bitter sweet that must be. Kay graduated in 1955, Lois in 1962, – oh and me from South Waterloo Memorial Hospital in 1969. That’s right. There is a sisterhood bond here beyond writing, nursing and blogging.

You know how some people, like all of my heroes, do what so many do, but they do it with that extra touch of class? It is that extra touch that I guess I want to emulate.

Lois, says in her ‘About’ page that she initially started the Blog to center around the publication of her career memoir, Caring Lessons: A Nursing Professor’s Journey of Faith and Self. She is a Chicago girl, wife, Mom, and Grandma.

Blodgett Memorial Hospital

Being a nurse from about the same era touches my heart and makes me get all mushy about old hospitals and old uniforms. (I still think the old fashioned hats signifying who the registered nurse is instead of non-nursing staff was wonderful. We worked hard to get those black bands on crisply starched hats). I took the photo below from the Blodgett web site and Lois also has the same one on her post of October 6th. Kay helped open the first intensive care unit in the country in 1958 and she is the nurse poised over the desk.

Lois I know this FITFS may seem more about Kay than you and someday soon I may do another honoring only yourself for your incredible achievements. But I hope you will let me join you in dedicating this post to your sister,

KATHLEEN E. KORTHUIS, PhD, RN 1934-2012

Folks I hope you will stop by to visit Lois, read about her incredible life, say hi, and leave a comment or two.